Australia affected by swine flu epidemic

Australia – Thousands of swine flu cases have been reported in Australia this year, leading health professionals and others to urge more people to get vaccinated. As reported by WebProNews, the number of reported cases have more than doubled from last year totaling 21,000 cases so far, according to the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG).

The group also reported that an estimated 20 to 50 percent of children will develop the flu each season, and 10 to 30 percent of adults. As further noted in the report, women are stated to be more susceptible to the virus than men. An estimated 70 percent of women in Australia are not vaccinated against the illness.

ISG chairman, Dr, Alan Hampson, is quoted in the report as making the recommendation for those who have not yet been vaccinated, “If they haven’t been infected yet it’s never too late but there might be a very narrow window. I think people do need a while to acquire immunity. If they’re in a high-risk group or people who can’t afford to be infected then it’s worth while getting along to your GP and I’d suggest no later than this week.”